10 Homemade Versions of Fast-Food Classics

Between pink-slime freakouts and increased awareness of where our food comes from, fast food is increasingly difficult to justify these days. But as we all know, a moral conscience and commitment to health are no match for the power of In-N-Out cheeseburgers and KFC Double Downs. So what’s a glutton to do?

Thankfully, there’s a middle ground. The Internet is full of copycat fast-food recipes—homemade approximations of chain classics that you can whip up on your own. They may not be as convenient as the drive-thru versions, but at least you know what’s in them.

From Chick-Fil-A’s chicken sandwich to the McDonald’s Shamrock Shake, here are 10 fast-food recipes to replicate at home.

In-N-Out Burger

Recipe: Your Home Based Mom
There’s really only one way to eat an In-N-Out burger—animal-style. The mustard-grilled beef patty sits between toasted buns, and gets topped with pickle, grilled onion, and lots of secret sauce. The copycat version may not come in In-N-Out’s signature red wrapper, but it will hold you over if you're stuck on the East Coast dreaming of a 2x4.

KFC Double Down Sandwich

Recipe: Serious EatsKFC’s Double Down sandwich lives in fast-food infamy, but when you make it at home, it's not that absurd—just a little indulgent for a weekday night. Fried chicken takes the place of buns, and between these crispy proteins is a filling of bacon, cheese, and a generous smattering of special sauce.

Chick-Fil-A Sandwich

Recipe:Hilah Cooking
Maybe you don’t support Chick-Fil-A’s controversial politics, or maybe you just don't trust fast-food poultry. Whatever the reason for avoiding CFA, there’s no denying that its chicken sandwich is pretty excellent. To build one yourself, all you need is buns, sliced pickle, and some freshly fried spiced chicken. Unfortunately, those signature biscuits might be harder to master.

McDonald's Shamrock Shake

Recipe: Cupcakes & Cashmere
You don’t have to wait until next March to fulfill your Shamrock Shake cravings. Spiked with peppermint extract and green food coloring, this surprisingly refreshing treat is a good go-to dessert in the summer. For a more adult spin, spike the shake with your booze of choice.

McDonald's Chicken McNuggets

Recipe:PBS
Of all fast-food items, you've probably heard the most horror stories about how nuggets are made. Even if the reality is not that upsetting, why not take matters into your own hands? Most amateur cook can whip up these addictive bites pretty easily—all you need is a good spice blend, panko, and Parmesan to make your chicken shine.

Taco Bell Crunch Wrap Supreme

Recipe:The Daily Meal
It may not be real Mexican, but there’s no denying that Taco Bell’s Crunchwrap Supreme is an ingenius creation. Soft on the outside and crunchy on the inside, the hybrid wrap is oozing with spiced ground beef and nacho cheese. Make it yourself with 100% beef instead of the 88% you get at Taco Bell.

Cracker Barrel Mac & Cheese

Recipe:Budget Savvy Diva
Cracker Barrel is the fast-casual restaurant that emerges like a beacon of hope along the highway, offering homey fare like chicken-fried steak and some of the best chain mac and cheese you'll ever taste. When you're not on the road, you can still get your mac fix by making it yourself—the secret is an unusual cheese trio of Colby, Velveeta, and Parmesan cheese.

KFC Potato Wedges

Recipe:Tracey's Culinary Adventures
Compared to a fast-food fried chicken, deep-fried potato wedges almost look healthy. Cayenne-spiked and cooked until crisp on the outside and soft on the inside, these potato wedges are a crowd-pleaser. Serve them with some real buttermilk-bathed fried bird.

Wendy's Frosty

Recipe:Chef in Training
Smooth and airy, Wendy’s Frosties are arguably the best thing on the chain's menu. Whether you’re a chocolate or vanilla fan, you’re only a few short steps from making your own version at home—all you need is ice cream, Nesquik, milk, and a blender.

Chipotle Burrito Bowl

Recipe: Savings LifestyleChipotle fans are fully convinced that the vaguely Mexican chain isn't your average fast-food joint. And while it's true that Chipotle is more committed to sustainability and sourcing than its competitors, you can still create a more virtuous burrito bowl at home, featuring cilantro lime rice topped with all the fixings, including marinated chicken, black beans, and salsa.

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